Mutant Brewing to join craft beer boom in Scranton

Jun. 14—A new bar and eatery featuring an artsy, tech-based atmosphere aims to provide an innovative entertainment experience in downtown Scranton.

Mutant Brewing, expected to open sometime in July at 121 N. Washington Ave., will first offer 10 beers on tap including an assortment of IPAs, ales, stouts and sours, said general manager and brand creator Steve Masterson. The beer will be brewed at Susquehanna Brewing Co. in Jenkins Twp. and Funk Brewing in Emmaus, he said.

"The brand design is based off an NFT (non fungible token) project called Mutant Ape Yacht Club and we use the intellectual property of that artwork as our branding," said Masterson, the former owner of Stage West in Scranton. "I love to bring something big and new and fun to the area anytime I can."

Fred Maier, vice president of Susquehanna Brewing Co., noted production of the Mutant Brewing beers churns along.

"Steve has a very fun, unique take on the craft beer world," Maier said. "There is a pretty good crossover between NFTs and craft beer drinkers. He took something he was passionate about and used it as the marketing to make a great beer."

Masterson, a partner at Noir Dark Spirits on Penn Avenue in Scranton with Josh Balz, aspires to build off the success of that establishment with the new venture.

"Over the past three years, I really enjoyed being in the downtown scene and discovered these niche markets and cultures have really taken off," he said. "We want to be able to offer something for everyone and a brewery was the next logical step for me."

The business will offer a gastropub-style menu focused on light fare, Masterson said.

He also plans to incorporate music, potentially hosting solo or duo acoustic sessions and a larger monthly show.

Mutant Brewing will join Groove Brewing, which relocated to 1401 Sanderson Ave. in January, Cooper's Seafood House, 701 N. Washington Ave., which began brewing its own beer on premises in May 2022, through its Cooper's Family Brewing microbrewery, and Voodoo Brewing Co., which opened a European-style ale house at 802 S. Washington Ave. in December as venues in Scranton where customers can enjoy a variety of craft brews.

"I see them as allies and friends," Masterson said. "We can all make Scranton more of a destination for people who love craft beer."

Charles Jefferson, owner of the Connell Building which also houses Bar Pazzo, a rustic-style Italian restaurant, New Laundry, a women's clothing boutique, and Over the Moon, a baby and children's clothing store, praised the new brewery.

"I have a lot of high hopes for the operation," Jefferson said. "It brings another element to that street in terms of something to do and a place to be. Anything that brings people downtown has the tendency to have a spillover effect. It's all about foot traffic and I think he'll do an incredible job driving traffic to his location."

Tentatively, the brewery will be open five days a week and serve brunch each Saturday and Sunday, Masterson said.

While he's currently focused on launching the Scranton establishment, Masterson eyes opportunities for expansion.

"This will be the flagship location, but with a brewery license you're able to open three locations," he said.

Masterson, a concert promoter throughout the Northeast, also envisions selling the beer during performances.

"Three of them will be mass produced for distribution throughout the region and beyond," he said. "I feel it falls in line with my overall brand and business of providing entertainment and food and drinks."

Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @rtomkavage on Twitter.